Zimmerman gives Crusaders veteran leadership

Although Grand Island Central Catholic returns nine starters this year, Kelly Zimmerman stands alone in that group.

He's the only player on the team that has started for more than one year.

The two-year starter will return to his guard and linebacker spots and looks to help the Crusaders qualify for the playoffs for the fourth straight year.

Even though Zimmerman is the vet among the starters, he doesn't feel any need to force himself into a sole leadership role.

"We have a lot of good seniors," he said. "A lot of guys have stepped up, even those he didn't play (much last year). We have good leaders."

And that'll be important for a team that was hit hard by graduation at the skill positions and in the secondary.

GICC coach Scott Rezac said the leadership provided by Zimmerman and his classmates is a big plus.

"It's huge," he said. "It's not just (Zimmerman), it's the whole senior class. Their personalities are different than other seniors (classes). They put their stamp on the team. That's how it always works."

Zimmerman is part of a very experienced offensive line and defensive front. Although not starters, classmate tackles Tommy Howard and Zach Schroeder both saw extensive playing time during their sophomore seasons.

That experience will be especially important on defense, where the 6-foot-2, 233-pound Zimmerman will loom large in his middle linebacker position.

"The last couple of years we lost people who have been crucial on defense," Zimmerman said. "People have stepped up and know the job they have to do. We want our defense to be just as good this year."

Rezac said the seniors have done a good job leading the team through its grueling first week of practices. With school starting, the Crusaders held their two-a-days back-to-back after school over the first four days, wrapping up the day around 8:30 p.m.

"They're tired having two practices in a row like that," Rezac said. "We got after it physically. We've put in a lot of stuff, and they've shown a lot of perseverance."

Zimmerman and his classmates hope to be the first senior class to qualify for the playoffs all four years of their high school careers since the class of 1986.

"We want to get better every game with the number of returners we have," Zimmerman said. "We want to win some games and make the playoffs. We'll do our best every night out.”